Zia Pueblo Jar with Evidence of Home Use by Isabel Medina Toribio

This beautiful jar, created by the renowned potter Isabel Medina Toribio (ca. 1882-1940), showcases the superb quality of early 20th-century Zia Pueblo pottery. Toribio's dedication to her craft resulted in powerful works, whether they were intended for daily use or for the growing art market. This piece bears the lovely evidence of a working life, having certainly served as a water jar before being collected.

Decades of handling have given the jar a rich, warm patina, reflecting the Pueblo belief that pottery is a living entity. The vessel rings beautifully when gently tapped, confirming its excellent structure. The painted designs are characteristically crisp and clean, defined by Toribio's use of wide, generous bands.

The four iconic Zia birds are given ample space, framed by distinctive bisected and curved black triangular fields. Two continuous, dark red undulating rainbows elegantly encircle the jar, beautifully framing the birds and their long, pointed tail feathers. The birds are painted with a powerful presence-their wings are notably full and positioned high above their bodies-a clear hallmark of Toribio's individualistic artistic genius.

A paper label attached to the underside reads Fred Harvey Albuquerque N.M.

Isabel Medina Toribio (ca. 1882-1940), also known as Aitiyé, was an active Zia Pueblo potter during the 1920s and 1930s. Her work is renowned for its excellent craftsmanship and distinctive designs. Common motifs in her pottery include clustered feathers with dotted bodies, elaborate tridents inside capped spirals, linked spirals, and rectangular eyes. These motifs help attribute unsigned pieces to her [Harlow and Lanmon, 316].

Condition: this Zia Pueblo Jar with Evidence of Home Use by Isabel Medina Toribio is in very good condition with normal wear around the rim from home use.

Provenance: The current owner purchased this jar from a Santa Fe gallery years ago. It is now from the collection of that owner.

Recommended Reading and Reference: Harlow, Francis H. and Dwight P. Lanmon. The Pottery of Zia Pueblo, SAR Press, Santa Fe, 2003.

TAGS: Zia Pueblo, Pueblo Pottery, Rosalia Medina Toribio, Isabel Medina Toribio